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Mitchell Starc Six Wickets From History in Ashes Finale

Mitchell Starc stands on the brink of history, needing just six wickets in the final Ashes Test to overtake Rangana Herath's record of 433 Test wickets and become the most successful left-arm bowler of all time. His phenomenal form in the current series, where he has taken 26 wickets at an average of 17.42, has been instrumental for Australia. Starc's decision to retire from T20 internationals to focus on Test cricket has clearly paid dividends, culminating in this potential career-defining achievement. The stage is set at the SCG for the 35-year-old to cap a remarkable year and cement his legendary status.

Key Points: Starc Nears Herath's Left-Arm Test Wicket Record

  • 26 wickets in Ashes 2025-26
  • Six wickets from history
  • Retired from T20Is for Tests
  • Player of Match twice in series
2 min read

Ashes 2025-26: Mitchell Starc six wickets away from surpassing Herath as highest left-arm wicket-taker

Mitchell Starc needs six wickets in the final Ashes Test to surpass Rangana Herath as the highest left-arm wicket-taker in Test cricket history.

"If Starc takes six wickets, he will surpass Herath to become the highest left-arm Test wicket-taker."

Sydney, Jan 2

Australia's talismanic bowler Mitchell Starc will aim to cap off the Ashes 2025-26 on a high when he takes the field on January 4 for the final match of the series at the Sydney Cricket Ground, standing just six wickets away from creating history as the most successful left-arm bowler in Test cricket.

Starc is on a golden patch in the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 series. He has taken 26 wickets in four matches at an impressive average of 17.42. Due to his remarkable performances in Perth and Brisbane, the 35-year-old pacer has been awarded the Player of the Match title in both Test matches. Other than Starc, no other bowler has even touched the 20-wicket mark.

The 35-year-old Starc made his Test debut for Australia against New Zealand at The Gabba, Brisbane, on December 1, 2011, in the first match of a two-Test series, taking two wickets in the match and receiving his Baggy Green from Richie Benaud.

Starc has taken 428 wickets in 104 matches since his debut. His bowling average is 26.43, and the Australian legend has taken 18 five-wicket hauls and three 10-wicket match hauls.

Currently, former Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath is the most successful left-arm bowler, having claimed 433 wickets from 93 Tests at an average of 28.0. If Starc takes six wickets, he will surpass Herath to become the highest left-arm Test wicket-taker.

Meanwhile, Starc had an exceptional record in 2025, playing 11 matches and taking the most wickets at 55 at an average of 17.32. He claimed three five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket match haul to his name. He also made a bold decision to retire from T20 internationals to keep himself fit for the red-ball challenge. However, he will continue playing T20 Leagues like IPL and BBL. Starc will represent the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Amazing achievement, but let's not forget Rangana Herath! He was a magician on turning tracks, especially in Asia. Starc is a legend too, but Herath's record for a spinner is phenomenal. Both are giants of the game. 🏏
A
Aman W
His decision to retire from T20Is to focus on Tests is so commendable. Shows his love for the purest format. Wish more modern players had that mindset. Excited to see him in IPL 2026 for Delhi though!
S
Sarah B
Watching Starc in full flow is a treat, even when he's playing against your team. That average of 17.42 in this Ashes is insane. The SCG crowd is in for a historic moment. Hope he gets a fifer to seal it.
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Karthik V
Respect to Starc, but as an Indian cricket fan, I have a small criticism. The article focuses only on the record. The context is missing - Herath played most of his cricket on less bowler-friendly Asian pitches against great players of spin. Just a thought for balance.
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Nisha Z
Left-armers are a special breed! From Wasim Akram to Zaheer Khan to these legends. Starc carrying that torch forward. 35 and still so lethal. Hope our Indian left-arm pacers are taking notes! 🇮🇳

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